Anointing of the Sick

“By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of her priests the whole Church commends the sick to the suffering and glorified Lord, asking that He may lighten their suffering and save them; she exhorts them, moreover, to contribute to the welfare of the whole people of God by associating themselves freely with the passion and death of Christ.” (Lumen Gentium, 11)

Anointing of the sick is a sacrament administered to the faithful who are suffering from illness, facing serious surgery, or who are frail or elderly. The Catechism teaches that “the first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age.” Yet, as with all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick is a vehicle for God’s grace that strengthens us spiritually. As such, “this assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God's will” (CCC, 1520).

The sacrament also helps the sick unite themselves to the passion of Christ, and in so doing, have the opportunity to offer their suffering for the good of others. Depending on the situation, the sacrament can be celebrated on an individual basis in a hospital or a home or as a communal celebration in Church. In all cases, it is ideally celebrated with the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession. St. John Vianney Parish has a communal celebration of the sacrament in the fall each year.

If you or a loved one are in need of individual celebration of the sacrament, please call the parish office at 608-752-8708.